Transformation of Solid Waste Management in China: Moving towards Sustainability through Digitalization-Based Circular Economy
Sustainability
; 14(4):2374, 2022.
Article
in English
| ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-1715701
ABSTRACT
In China, environmental pollution due to municipal solid waste (MSW) over-generation is one of the country’s priority concerns. The increasing volume and complexity of the waste poses serious risks to the environment and public health. Currently, the annual growth of MSW generation is estimated to be approximately 8–10% and will increase to 323 million metric tons (Mt) by 2030. Based on the secondary data collected from a literature survey, this article critically evaluates the recent progress of MSW management (MSWM) in China and offers new insights into the waste sector in the era of Industry 4.0. This helps decision makers in China to plan a smooth transition nationwide to a circular economy (CE) in the waste sector. It is evident that digitalization is a driving force for China to move towards low-carbon development strategies within the framework of CE. Through digitalization, the waste sector has promoted prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling (3Rs) of waste before waste disposal in landfills. A proper implementation of digitalization-based waste recycling has contributed to an efficient cooperation between the government and private sector, increased job opportunities, and promoted the conservation of resources. It is anticipated that this work not only contributes to the establishment of an integrated MSWM system in China, but also improves local MSWM through digitalization in the framework of a CE.
Environmental Studies; circular economy; digitalization; industry 4.0; greenhouse gas (GHG); Public health; Recycling; Private sector; Municipal solid waste; Economic reform; Economic development; Sustainability; Waste disposal; Growth rate; Municipal waste management; Landfill; Economic growth; Solid waste management; COVID-19; Literature reviews; Landfills; Waste disposal sites; Resource conservation; Waste management; Pandemics; Digitization; Consumption; Gross Domestic Product--GDP; Urban areas; Environmental protection; Leachates; Urbanization; China
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
ProQuest Central
Language:
English
Journal:
Sustainability
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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